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Ask the doctor: Can I keep myself from fainting when I have blood drawn?

Ask the doctor

Can I keep myself from fainting when I have blood drawn?

Published: June, 2008

Q. I want to donate blood, but I faint or come close to it
nearly every time I have blood drawn at the doctor's office. Can
I do anything to keep myself from fainting?

A. Fainting when having blood drawn is very common.
Doctors call this a vasovagal episode. These are caused by the
sight of blood, an injection, standing up for too long, or other
triggers that stimulate the vagus nerve. It slows the heart rate
and causes blood vessels to dilate. The sudden drop in blood
pressure means not enough blood gets to the brain. Complete or
near loss of consciousness for a few seconds often follows.